Serial arson suspect found not competent to stand trial

Updated
3:44 pm EDT, Friday, May 17, 2019

PITTSFIELD, Mass. (AP) — A Massachusetts man charged with of setting several fires in Pittsfield late last summer has been found not competent to stand trial, and will be committed to a state hospital for up to six months.

The Berkshire Eagle reports that 59-year-old Phillip Jordan, of Pittsfield, has been held without bail since being found dangerous earlier this year.

Jordan was arrested Sept. 23 at the Canadian border in Vermont, a day after officials say he set four fires in rapid succession.

Court records say agents found Jordan not wearing pants and yelling that the government was poisoning him and that he must get to Canada.

Jordan's attorney says he may disagree with the incompetency finding, but he would not challenge the recommendation that his client be committed.